Two Defendants Plead Not Guilty to Fraud, Child Pornography Charges

(Phoenix, Ariz. – May 9, 2007) Christopher R. Breiland, 37, today pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on charges related to identity theft and possession of child pornography. Marie Ann Siegel, 42, was arraigned earlier this week on similar charges and also pleaded not guilty.

The two defendants were indicted on April 23 by the State Grand Jury. Breiland, whose last known address was the Arizona Department of Corrections, was indicted on one count of fraud, two counts of conspiracy, three counts of aggravated taking the identity of another, two counts of forgery, one count of possession of a forgery device and eight counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Breiland is also wanted on an escape charge from Pinal County. He will face that charge at the conclusion of this case.

Siegel, of Phoenix, was indicted on one count of fraud, two counts of conspiracy, three counts of aggravated taking the identity of another, two counts of forgery, one count of possession of a forgery device, one count of hindering prosecution and seven counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

The indictment alleges that Breiland and Siegel knowingly had child pornography pictures on their computer. Both defendants also had equipment to produce fake IDs, according to the indictment.

If convicted of all charges, Breiland faces up to 115 years in prison and Siegel faces up to 85 years. Assistant Attorney General Todd Lawson is prosecuting this case. The indictment was the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service.